My Daddy is with Jesus. He is in the presence of his Savior. Even as I write those words, I’m struck again with deep emotion. Not just grief, even though that has been very real, but also with such joy. It’s what we, as believers, are living every day of our lives for – to one day be in the presence of our Savior. So knowing that daddy is with Jesus fills me with overflowing joy.
I learned so much about faith and godly character through my daddy’s life but watching him die taught me even more. I was with him when he died, holding his hand as he slipped away to Jesus. He knew where he was going and he longed to be with his Savior. In his last few days we sang together constantly. When he couldn’t sing he would just listen with a smile on his face. He witnessed to every nurse that tended to him and he encouraged his grandchildren to live for Jesus. He made sure we would take care of Mama – his wife of 68 years. Then he fell asleep and in his sleep his Savior called his name.
My dear friends, I share all of this with you because I learned so much in those last few days. I want to encourage you with what my daddy taught me. Daddy lived his life for one purpose: to hear his Savior say, “Well done good and faithful servant.” He often told me that he wanted to hear that when he stood before the Lord and he lived his life with that purpose.
I was listening to some music earlier today and came across a song titled Well Done, Well Done by Kim Hopper. What a beautiful song! What a great reminder to live your life in such a way that you’re ready to see Jesus. Live according to Ephesians 4 which says, “Live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”
Daddy also taught me to sing to Jesus, on good days and bad days, whether you feel like praising or not. Two of his favorite songs were Blessed Assurance and It Is Well With My Soul, both Traditional. We sang those songs over and over in his last few days; and what an encouragement the words of these songs are.
Daddy reminded me that this life is temporary. After he died and I was overcome with grief, the Lord gently reminded me of a truth that my daddy lived out. It’s in 2Corinthians 4:18, “So we fix our eyes, not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” We live so much of our lives as if “the temporary” is the most important but it’s not. What is unseen is what we’re living for. My daddy would want me to remind you of that truth. This life is temporary. Live for the eternal.
I’ve been listening to a great song by Carrie Underwood – Temporary Home. That sums it all up. Don’t get bogged down in the “temporary” or the “seen” – live for the “unseen” or the eternal. Live a life worthy of the calling you have received. And sing for Jesus. Sing privately before the Lord and sing publicly when He gives the opportunity. Sing praises when you feel like and even when you don’t.
Check out these songs and be reminded of what Daddy taught me – live to one day hear, “Well done.”
Make the most of your journey!
Molly
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
You are very blessed to have a father who taught you so well. We are all very blessed by having a Heavenly Father who also loves and cares for us.
I praise God for giving you the understanding you have. I just want you to know that I was very moved by your testimony given here.
May God continue to bless you and give you peace.
Jimmie
What a precious testament to the life of a Godly father.. I have recently lost my “mother”,, Mother Scivally. She was really my grandmother by birth, but I called her “Mother”. She also exemplified all that is good in this world; A Christian who lived her life to the fullest for Christ’s calling on her life. Bless you, Molly. I know that it hurts, but I agree with you, Someday we shall see them at jJesus’ feet.
Thank you for your comments. You’ve blessed my heart. I love the fellowship, love and encouragment that we can share with each other as believers. Continue to live for Jesus!